Perceived sources of stress among Greek dental students

Abstract

The goals of this study were to identify sources of stress in dental education and to explore the role of year of study and gender on perceived stressors. Five hundred and seventy-one undergraduates, officially registered at the University of Athens School of Dentistry, participated in the survey by completing a thirty-item modified version of the Dental Environment Stress Questionnaire. Assigned workload, performance pressure, and self-efficacy beliefs constituted the most stress-provoking factors. Gender differences were found in most of the perceived stressors, whereas stress intensity greatly differed by year of study. Multivariate analysis suggested that, irrespective of gender, fourth-year and graduating students were less concerned about class work overload, clinical training difficulties, and course failing, but were significantly more insecure about their professional future. Entry-level students appeared to be the most concerned about the lack of time for relaxation. However, they were the least stressed about completing graduation requirements compared with the rest of their peers. Possible strategies for reducing stress in Greek dental education are considered in the light of these findings.